Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend: July 19-21

The Mayborn Conference starts today over at the Hilton in Grapevine. I’ll be out there on Saturday, but in case you don’t want to hang out with a bunch of writers (I don’t know why you wouldn’t, but to each his own), there are plenty of other options.

Friday

Have you made plans to see the Dallas Theater Center’s new musical yet? No? Definitely do that. Fly is a visually-stunning re-imagining of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan told from Wendy’s perspective. Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys are all played by age-appropriate kids, and they’re great. Our critic, Lindsey Wilson, points out the reason the show’s title doesn’t reference the boy who wouldn’t grow up:

This is, ultimately, Wendy’s story. Isabela Moner is a pint-sized wonder as the fearless tomboy who enjoys blowing things up, and thankfully Joseph [one of three writers] and Seller [the director] have crafted a young heroine who’s capable of much more than sewing on shadows. Fly will probably be remembered most for its astounding stagecraft and thrilling choreography, but it certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing if younger audience members leave wanting to not only fly like Peter, but be brave like Wendy too.

Check out Lindsey’s full review of the show over on FrontRow. And don’t miss out on Cafe des Artistes’ happy hour before the show, if you can make it around 6 p.m. The One Arts restaurant offers $4 beers, house wine, and Champagne cocktails.

Also tonight, the various Art District museums host their late night activities. There’s ‘Til Midnight at the Nasher, where you can catch a free screening of the movie Cars, or the DMA’s unveiling of DallasSITES: Available Space, the second half of a local contemporary art exhibition that will address some problems with the original exhibit by handing control to collectives such as Oil and Cotton and the Dallas Video Fest. Peter has more about what’s happening here.

Saturday

In celebration of Belgian Independence Week, the Meddlesome Moth has been pouring Belgian beers and giving away glassware. But on Saturday, they’re going whole hog with a whole animal roast and $3 cans of St. Feuillien Saison. That’s an all-day deal, so drop by anytime.

Deep Ellum Market is three years old, and organizers have taken pity on the sweating masses by moving Saturday’s event indoors. All the goodies will be inside the blue building right next to Lula B’s, including live music, a beer garden, and food. Satisfy breakfast cravings with a pre-market visit to AllGood Cafe.

Sunday

Eno’s turned five last weekend, but they postponed their party for Bastille Day. Celebrate with pizza and beer, two things the Oak Cliff restaurant does extremely well. Amber Farris of Somebody’s Darling will provide the live musical entertainment, and things will get started around 6 p.m.

You’ll find another beer-and-food combination at the Flying Saucer’s Addison location, where the beer pub hosts the annual BeerBQ fest. There’s brisket and brats, plus all sorts of North Texas brews from Jester King (Austin), Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Lakewood, and more.